To maintain readiness under current budget pressure, the Defense Department needs to have a long-term mindset and rethink their force structure, according to Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee.

The Pentagon says its spending plan acknowledges defense spending is on a downward trajectory, and reduces force structure in order to balance other priorities such as readiness. If sequestration stays in place, the calculus will change, Defense officials say.

Nearly all of the Defense Department's civilians are now working, despite the government shutdown. Many members of Congress believe none of those civilians should have been furloughed to begin with. DoD remains unsure how to address contractors under the Pay Our Military Act.

On this week's show, Federal News Radio's Jared Serbu talks about the impending cuts with two members of Congress, Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), the chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness, and Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), whose suburban Washington district includes a high concentration of DoD civilian employees.